The 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar represents a major turning point in modern U.S. coinage. While it marked the end of silver in circulating half dollars, it also became a lasting favorite among collectors due to its history, accessibility, and top-end rarity.
Origins Of The Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first released in 1964 as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination.
It replaced the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar, designed by former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, which had been in circulation since 1948.
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The original Kennedy half was struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, consistent with earlier circulating U.S. coinage. In 1965, amid rising silver prices, the composition was reduced to 40% silver and 60% copper, known as silver-clad.
Despite this change, the coin retained Gilroy Roberts’ portrait of Kennedy on the obverse and Frank Gasparro’s heraldic eagle on the reverse.
Legislation That Changed the Coin Forever
Silver’s complete removal from circulating half dollars came with the Coinage Act of 1969, passed as part of the One Bank Holding Act of 1970. This legislation also authorized the creation of the Eisenhower Dollar.
President Richard M. Nixon signed the bill just minutes before midnight on December 31, 1970. Had he waited longer, the legislation would have been invalidated by a pocket veto.
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As a result, 1971 became the first year the Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in a copper-nickel clad composition—75% copper and 25% nickel, the same alloy introduced for dimes and quarters back in 1965.
Design And Physical Specifications
Although the metal composition changed in 1971, the overall look of the coin remained familiar:
- Obverse: Portrait of John F. Kennedy by Gilroy Roberts
- Reverse: Heraldic eagle by Frank Gasparro
- Diameter: Unchanged
- Weight: Reduced from 11.5 grams to 11.3 grams
This made the 1971 issue visually consistent with earlier Kennedy halves while clearly distinct in composition.
Decline Of The Half Dollar In Everyday Use
By the late 1960s, half dollars were disappearing from daily commerce. Several factors contributed to this decline:
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- Widespread hoarding of Kennedy halves due to public admiration for JFK
- Removal of 90% silver coins from circulation for bullion value
- Continued hoarding of 40% silver-clad halves, even though their silver value stayed below face value until 1974, according to PCGS
- Vending machines and cash registers no longer accommodating half dollars
By 1971, the denomination had become more of a curiosity than a practical means of payment. Notably, 1970 Kennedy Half Dollars were never released for circulation and were struck only for Mint Sets.
The U.S. Mint eventually stopped producing half dollars for circulation altogether in 2002.
1971 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage Details
In 1971, the Philadelphia Mint struck 155,164,000 business-strike Kennedy Half Dollars. At the time, Philadelphia coins carried no mintmark, a practice that did not begin until 1980.
How Much Is The 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth?
The 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar value remains accessible for most collectors:
- Circulated coins: Often sell for face value to a few dollars
- Roll hunting: Still possible to find examples at banks
- In 2018, CoinWeek writer Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez found 355 examples while searching 2,000 half dollars, making it the most common date he encountered
Mint State And High-Grade Prices
- Most uncirculated coins grade MS64–MS65
- Certified MS65–MS66: Typically worth $20 to $65
- Top population grade: MS67
Both PCGS and NGC have certified seven coins each at the MS67 level.
The highest public auction price for a 1971-P Kennedy Half Dollar occurred on November 11, 2018, when an NGC MS67 example sold for $1,560 at Heritage Auctions.
It is widely believed that many Mint State and Mint Set examples remain ungraded, leaving room for future discoveries.
The 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar stands at the crossroads of history and modern coinage. As the first copper-nickel issue, it symbolizes the end of circulating silver halves while remaining affordable for beginners and challenging for advanced collectors chasing top grades.
With massive mintages, declining real-world use, and a handful of elite-condition survivors, this coin continues to hold strong appeal more than five decades later.
FAQs
Is the 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?
No. It is composed of copper-nickel clad with no silver content.
Can I still find 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars in circulation?
Yes. While uncommon in daily use, they can still be found through bank rolls.
What is the most valuable 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar?
Coins graded MS67 are the most valuable, with auction prices exceeding $1,500.
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